Mental Wellness Tips for Founders

Conversations on mental health have become more pronounced. Founders are tasked with so many responsibilities — creating new jobs, pulling the economy out of recession, fundraising, creating prosperity, and introducing useful products and services. This can all be taxing and if care is not taken, founders will likely experience depression, anxiety, burnout, and extreme fatigue.

The Link Between Entrepreneurship and Mental Health

Some entrepreneurial traits like creativity and innovation have been associated with certain mental health challenges. Creativity, while core to business innovation, has been linked to conditions including ADHD, depression, and psychosis. Similarly, high achievement motivation is linked to bipolarity.

An unhealthy obsession with these traits may lead to depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, and low esteem.

Focus on Your Business

Even for creative entrepreneurs, looking out for and following new trends may lead to anxiety. Founders should innovate but keep their focus on finding ways their business can maximise innovation to succeed, rather than constantly watching the competition.

Stop Projecting and Performing

There is an unspoken, widely-held belief that founders must always have their act together. When obsessed with avoiding mistakes, anxiety creeps in. Imposter syndrome comes in. Founders are encouraged to speak to other founders about challenges and ask for help from trusted friends and advisors.

Get Enough Rest

One of the causes of fatigue and burnout is a lack of adequate rest. Ensure to make time to pause and rest. This can be scheduled periodically or taken in between work. Rest also includes taking occasional breaks, making time for walks and exercise.

Create Tangible Habits and Boundaries

It is recommended that founders create a life and identity that isn't tied to work. Little habits like exercising, meditating, acknowledging milestones, and taking a walk should not be overlooked. Boundaries help ensure that every part of your life is in sync.

When it comes to entrepreneurial wellness, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It all begins by taking occasional checks and being honest and open about your needs at every stage.